All-Access with Bruce Arians: An exciting game to end season on

TEMPE, Ariz. – Head coach Bruce Arians, now in his fifth year with the Arizona Cardinals, meets the media several times leading up to gameday.

Here, in this space, with help from the Cardinals’ media relations staff, we’ll highlight many of the key topics and personnel conversations he has with reporters following practice.

Opening statement:

“Only guy not practicing was Josh Bynes but he made a lot of improvement and he’ll be a gametime decision. Everybody else practiced.

“Good, solid practice. Good week’s work.”

“You never want to see a season end, but this will be an exciting game to end it with.”

Besides a win, what are you hoping to see in the season finale?

“I want to see the young players continue to improve, especially the guys going there for the first time. We got a lot of guys going for the first time and it’s a different place.”

You had a lot of injuries along the offensive line when you went into Seattle last year and won. Does that matter any going into this week’s matchup?

“Well, it just let them know that it can be done. It was done last year with Earl (Watford) playing right tackle and Evan (Boehm) playing guard and (John) Wetzel played left tackle, I think, and played their tails off. It’s just a matter of going and beating your guy one-on-one.”

How has Harlan Miller looked this week, especially all that he’s been through this season?

“He’s a fighter. That on-and-off (the roster) stuff is not as harsh as it seems when you get back on. You’re still getting paid. He played real well up there last year and I would anticipate him to do it again.”

How much has Budda Baker solidified the safety position?

“Budda has played his tail off. That’s one position I don’t think we have to worry about in the offseason.”

You and Ken Whisenhunt are tied for the franchise wins lead with 49. What kind of relationship do you have with Whisenhunt, going back to your days in Pittsburgh?

“Oh, gosh. Best friends. Golfing buddies. Lived in the same neighborhood. He and I would also have knock-down, drag-outs with (Dick) LeBeau and (Keith Butler) on the golf course every day. Just a great, great guy.”

What about in practice?

“Whiz was quiet. I talked a lot of (expletive). (Larry) Foote was a player so he could testify to it.”

What would it mean if you won No. 50 this week?

“I would mean we get to 8-8 and finish with three out of four and have building blocks for next year.”

Did the season go by fast?

“They always do. This one was kind of—coaches worked their tails off this year. My hats off to our assistant coaches, all of them. To deal with the injuries and put the guys in and get them ready to play and have a chance to win—and win some games—they did a great, great job.”

What did you think of Todd Bowles getting an extension?

“I thought it was fantastic. Well deserved. They’re playing hard and that’s all you can ask out of your team.”

If you go 8-8 considering the number of players on injured reserve and the names of many of those players, is that a bad season?

“No, I would think it was successful one. And again, I’d credit it all to the assistant coaches. To go five-hundred with all those guys down, it’s a testament to the character of the coaches and the players in the locker room.”

One more win might’ve gotten you in the playoffs?

“Yeah. A couple of close ones coming down the stretch.”

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